Humber Bridge tolls agreement could help hospital patients
A DEAL over a cut in bridge tolls for the Humber Bridge took a step closer after a meeting between council chiefs yesterday.
Patients travelling to and from hospitals in Hull could receive a concession if an agreement is reached between Government ministers and leaders of the four councils on the Humber.
The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Chris Shaw, spoke to the Coalition Government's Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, shortly before a meeting between leaders of the four Humber authorities in Hull.
Councillor Shaw said the transport secretary was sympathetic to the concession for patients travelling over the bridge from the south bank for health services.
But he stressed no concession had been given from North East Lincolnshire Council to meet the demand for a 25 per cent share of the future bridge debt.
That was the recommendation from ministers aiming to cut the bridge debt from £332-million to £182-million, and could see fares reduced from £3 to £1.50 within weeks.
Hull MP Alan Johnson was confident the four-way 25 per cent deal would be struck.
But Councillor Shaw, who was flanked by NELC's chief executive, Tony Hunter, and chief finance officer Neil Thornton, said he did not have the authority to strike a deal on the share until his fellow councillors had debated a motion at a special council meeting being held on Wednesday.
Councillor Shaw said: "We have made some movement but have not come to any agreement. We can't because my council has yet to tell me what our position is.
"We will find out on Wednesday and I hope we can have some latitude so we might be able to get an agreement next Thursday."
He said a meeting could be held at the Humber Bridge to make an historic deal over the future of the bridge, adding: "By then, North East Lincolnshire will see a tangible benefit. I am hoping we can get somewhere over the concession for patients.
"Cutting the toll by half would mean they will be paying more for their parking at the hospital than crossing the bridge."
The leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Andrew De Freitas, said: "I support the leader's position. Unless there is some additional benefits for North East Lincolnshire and assurance from senior officers I am inclined to support the status quo.
"I am not party to what was discussed today, so let's get to the fine detail. The meeting is on Wednesday, so we will decide then."
Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Keith Brookes, added: "I am pleased things are moving along. We shall support Councillor Shaw in whatever he does if it gives the best value for the residents of North East Lincolnshire.
"This was the reason the Conservative Group called for a special meeting, so he could go the next day with the flexibility he needs and hope the meeting we have called will allow him that ability to clinch a deal."
The Tory leader was disappointed to have not yet received papers which contain figures relating to the future costs of the bridge on which councillors will decide their position. He said: "That would have been the correct way."
6 Comments
by Me_Out_Here
Monday, February 06 2012, 5:33PM
“Alas Phantom, the facts are clear. If the bridge were not there many jobs in N.E.Lincs would not be there.
N. E. Lincs businesses and residents use the bridge. We should share the responsibility..”
by Sproutlore99
Friday, February 03 2012, 11:53PM
“The reason that NEL should take an equal share of the debt is that it will increase business and therefore jobs both on the north and south side - and let's face it, Grimsby is desperately in need of more jobs. As for Scunthorpe, as far as I'm aware that's in North not North East Lincolnshire and they are willing to accept a 25% cut. Maybe if the area pulled together rather than arguing like cats and dogs then we'd get somewhere. If this all falls apart and tolls don't go down (and to be honest I think it might well do that) then how are we going to look as an area when we go to the government in the future and ask for further investment? Like amateurs who can't even agree on something as important to the local community as the bridge tolls. And then we won't get any help and everyone will whinge that the government won't do anything for the area! You can't have your cake and eat it. It's only fair that now we have the chance to half the ridiculously high tolls we should grab it with both hands before stupid grandstanding politicians ruin it for ordinary people like me who have no option but to use the bridge. And if you don't think Councillor Shaw is grandstanding, why on earth do you think he's now suggesting having the next council meeting at the bridge "to make a historic deal over the future of the bridge" when he could have helped do that two months ago?? Good grief!!”
by RachieW
Friday, February 03 2012, 8:39PM
“Is it true that if you are visiting someone in prison that you get to cross the bridge for free?”
by Me_Out_Here
Friday, February 03 2012, 5:46PM
“Well said Sproutlore. Why argue the toss about it. Fact is that it is there, it needs to be used. Lets use it and not have to pay the earth to do so.
I think I heard that a hefty percentage of the traffic actually begins its journey in NE Lincs anyway, so it is in our interest to get the cost down.”
by phantom2012
Friday, February 03 2012, 10:02AM
“Why should NEL take an equal 25% share of this debt? This bridge was built for, and to mainly benefit the people of Hull, who should pick up the lions share of the debt. Neither Grimsby or Scunthorpe has gained any major benefit whatsoever from this bridge, it mainly serves Hull, for Hull. There is no east coast motorway linking south to north, any business with any sense goes directly to Hull or Scunthorpe or Grimsby around the existing motorway system and avoids the expensive toll. The only major benefit for anyone living on the south bank is it gets you out of hull quicker if your unfortunate enough to be there....!”
by Sproutlore99
Friday, February 03 2012, 8:59AM
“I wish Mr Shaw, Mr Mitchell and the rest of the NE Lincolnshire MPs would take their combined heads out of the sand for a little while and get a deal struck on the Humber Bridge. As a nurse who works at Hull Royal Infirmary and lives on the South bank it galls me that they have still not managed to come to some conclusion on this issue. Mr Mitchell is all for telling us how the government is not doing enough for the 'normal' people of this area, but for once they are trying. Halving the toll would save me £500 a year. Does he not think that this is a reasonable saving? And if patients travelling over the Humber Bridge should get a discount then how about us workers? Also, I'm sure that the haulage companies of Immingham and Grimsby use the Bridge as much as those in North Lincolnshire who don't seem to have a problem with underwriting 25% of the debt. This is another example of British politics. Everybody calling everybody else useless then not managing to get their own houses in order. It's not wonder less and less people are bothering to vote. Shame on you Mr Mitchell, Mr Shaw and all. Sean, Lincolnshire.”